LEX J. KIRKPATRICK was born in Rush County, Ind., September 6, 1853, and when but four months old, his parents, Stephen and Rebecca (Jackson) Kirkpatrick, who are both natives of Rush County, Ind., removed to this county, locating near Greentown. Five years later, they removed into Taylor Township, where the son assisted his father upon the farm until fifteen years of age, when he entered Oskaloosa (Iowa) College for one year. The family then moved to Kokomo, and in January, 1871, L. J. entered Howard College, remaining until June, 1873, when he became a law student in the office of Hendry & Elliott. The following winter, he taught school six months, in Howard Township. He then studied law in the same office until October, 1874, when he entered the Central Law School at Indianapolis, graduating from that institution in June, 1875. He and Mr. Thomas, of Rushville, represented the class at this commencement. He then returned home, was admitted to the bar, and soon after formed a partnership with James F. Elliott, of Kokomo, and has since been practicing law in Howard and adjoining counties. In the fall of 1881, he was appointed Master Commissioner, by Judge N. R. Overman, of the Thirty sixth Judicial Circuit, which position he is filling now. He is Secretary of the Demoocratic Central Committee, and he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. September 22, 1881, he was married to Miss Emma M. Palmer, of Adrian, Mich., the daughter of Stephen and Lucretia (Saville) Palmer. Stephen Palmer was a native of New York State, and his wife of Indiana. Both were of Scotch descent. Mr. Kirkpatrick has been an active member of the bar each term of the Circuit Court since he commenced practice. He has been a member of the Christian Church since January, 1868, and was an active worker in the Young Men's Christian Association for a number of years.



From:
Counties of Howard and Tipton, Indiana